Garment with multiple access points

ABSTRACT

A garment comprising, a vest, wherein a collar is attached to the neck opening and a first and second resealable opening mechanism extend through the collar towards the lower openings a predetermined distance, a first sleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the first sleeve opening of the vest at the first end and a cuff attached at the second end and a first opening present on the second sleeve, wherein a third resealable opening mechanism is integrated into the opening, and a second sleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the second sleeve opening of the vest at the first end, a cuff is attached at the second end, and a second opening present on the second sleeve, wherein a fourth resealable opening mechanism is integrated into the opening.

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 120 of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/549,045 filed Aug. 23, 2017. The disclosure of the prior applications is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of medical garments, and more particularly to a garment that is designed for patients that need additional access points for different treatments.

Millions of individuals suffer from medical conditions that can be managed with regular dialysis treatment. In dialysis, the patient's blood flow is redirected temporarily through a machine which performs the cleaning and fluid-balancing functions that the patient's own organs (kidneys) can no longer manage on their own. Patients must receive such treatments regularly (perhaps a few times a week), and so are often fitted with “ports” that ease the difficulty and trauma associated with connection to the dialysis machines. These ports may be located on the patient's arms, legs, chest and/or abdomen, as determined by their doctor and depending on the patient's physiology and needs.

Many people, both adults and children, require ongoing medical treatment in which medical practitioners must access certain areas of the body. The medical treatments may be, but are not limited to, dialysis, chemotherapy, post operative treatment and attention to diagnostic equipment. Often these treatments require the patient to expose private areas of their body for extended periods of time in a semi-public area (e.g., a room or ward with other patients without any walls or curtains) because the attending medical personal must visually monitor the treatment area. As a result, the patient must endure the embarrassment and indignity of being partially naked in addition to enduring the medical treatment.

Although medical facilities could provide garments or gowns for the patients, this would increase the cost of the treatments and lengthen the time the patient has to be at the facility. Alternatively, several specialty garments have been designed to provide access to a patient's treatment areas. However, these designs do not really solve the problem because they expose a larger area of the body than is necessary, are not flexible enough to provide access to the most commonly used areas of the body for ongoing medical treatments and/or use unwieldy and unattractive flaps. Moreover, all these designs look like gowns and not regular clothes.

Thus, there is a need for a garment that provides access to the various body parts while also keeping the wearer covered as well as comfortable.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, the present invention is a garment for covering the upper body of a patient comprising, a vest having a neck opening, a first sleeve opening, a second sleeve opening, and a lower opening, wherein a collar is attached to the neck opening and a first and second resealable opening mechanism extend through the collar towards the lower openings a predetermined distance, a first sleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the first sleeve opening of the vest at the first end and a cuff attached at the second end and a first opening present on the second sleeve, wherein a third resealable opening mechanism is integrated into the opening, and a second sleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the second sleeve opening of the vest at the first end, a cuff is attached at the second end, and a second opening present on the second sleeve, wherein a fourth resealable opening mechanism is integrated into the opening.

In a second embodiment, the present invention is a garment comprising, a vest having a neck opening, a first sleeve opening, a second sleeve opening, a bottom opening, a collar attached to the neck opening, and a central axis extending from the neck opening to the bottom opening along a first face, wherein a section of material extending from the collar to a predetermined distance towards the bottom opening and at a predetermined along away from the central axis is independently of the vest and is secured through a first and second zipper, a first sleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the first sleeve opening of the vest at the first end and a first opening extends a predetermined distance from the first end to the second end and is positioned relative to an interior portion of arms of the wearer closest to the vest, and a zipper extends substantially along the length of the opening, and a second sleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the second sleeve opening of the vest at the first end and a second opening extends a predetermined distance from the first end to the second end and is positioned relative to an interior portion of arms of the wearer closest to the vest, and a zipper extends substantially along the length of the opening.

A garment of claim 17, further comprising two zipper pulls integrated into the third and fourth zippers, wherein one of the zipper pulls is located at a first end of the zipper and a second zipper pull is located at the second end of the zipper when the zipper is in a relative closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depict a view of a garment with resealable openings in the open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depict a view of the garment with the resealable openings in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

The present invention realizes the need for garments that are comfortable, insulated, discreet, and accessible for when medical procedures need to be performed on them during their treatments.

Most patients that are receiving chemo, dialysis, are the elderly, their hemoglobin usually runs low and they cannot tolerate the cold temperature in most medical facilities. Therefore, they wear, year-round, the jogging suit for warmth. However, the jogging suits typically do not have openings to help the medical staff to help gain access to their access with minimal skin exposure. The patient typically feels embarrassed or uncomfortable sitting for hours while getting treatment and being exposed. The openings need to be in the sleeve, neckline leading to the chest, and in the thigh area. This can help people of all ages including children who are going through chemo.

FIG. 1 depict a view of a garment 100 with resealable openings 120 and 121 in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The garment 100 is comprised of portion 101 which covers the torso of the wearer, a first sleeve 102 and a second sleeve 103 which cover the arms of the wearer. At the opening for the wearer's head is a collar 104. At the end of the sleeves 102 and 103 are cuffs 116 and 117. In additional embodiments, the collar 104 may have a hoodie attached to cover the wearer's head and provide additional warmth. In additional embodiments, the garment 100 may have various pockets either accessible from the exterior or interior of the garment 100. The pockets may be on the portion 101, the first sleeve 102, and/or the second sleeve 103.

The garment 100 is made from a cloth material preferably selected from cotton, cotton fleece, wool, or synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester. The garment 100 may also have additional insulation layers as many of the patients before, during, and after the treatments tend to experience chills or cold spells due to the illness and/or the treatments and additional layers of insulation materials assist in retaining as much body heat as possible. The garment 100 is designed to be aesthetically appealing so the patient does not appear to be wearing medical clothing and can comfortably and confidently wear the body covering into and out of the treatment facility without much notice. The garment 100 is designed to be indistinguishable from street clothes. A variety of decorative, comfortable, stylish and/or warm fabrics can be used.

Integrated into the sleeves 102 and 103 are resealable openings 120. The resealable openings 120 are positioned on the interior area of the sleeves 102 and 103 to conceal the openings, and provide convenient access when procedures are needed to be performed. The resealable openings 120 and 121 may also be covered by sections of material which are attached to the garment 100 and extend over the resealable openings 120 and 121. For example, a flap of material. In many dialysis procedures, the interior of the arm and neck of the wearer is where the nurse or medical professional needs to gain access. With typical clothing, the entire article of clothing needs to be removed to gain access to the area.

In the depicted embodiments, the resealable openings 120 are positioned so when the wearer's arm are at their side, the opening is near the medial antebrachial of the arm, and not the lateral antebrachial portion of the arm. The positioning of the resealable openings 120 are substantially identical locations on sleeves 102 and 103. In additional embodiments, the resealable openings 120 may be positioned in various positions and locations along the sleeves 102 and 103 of the garment and may be in substantially different positions and lengths from one another. In the depicted embodiment the fasteners 120 are zip fasteners or clasp lockers which extend from the above cuffs 116 to an area between the medial brachial cut and the intercosto bracial of the wearer. In additional embodiments, the resealable openings 120 may extend through the entire cuff 116 to completely open up the sleeves 102 and/or 103 or may extend to the end of the sleeve near the axilla of the wearer.

In the depicted embodiment, the resealable openings 120 on sleeve 102 has two zipper pull tabs 108 and 109 along the zipper 110. The zipper pull tabs are positioned at opposite ends of the zippers when in the closed position. In the depicted embodiment, the resealable openings 120 on sleeve 103 has two zipper pull tabs 106 and 105 along the zipper 107. The zipper pull tabs 106 and 105 are positioned at opposite ends of the zipper 107 when in the closed position. In additional embodiments, both of the zipper pull tabs (105 and 106 or 108 and 109) may be positioned at the cuff end of the zipper or the axilla of the wearer, or both may be located in close proximity anywhere along the zipper 107 and 110.

This allows the wearer the greatest versatility when accessing the interior of the sleeves. Each zipper pull tab can open and close a separate relative opening. For example, for dialysis medical procedures, the access needs to be nearest to the axilla of the wearer, while vitals may also need to be taken near the wearer's wrist or lower arm. In many instances, the person needs to have additional procedures performed while having dialysis treatment which require access to the lower portion of person's arm. These resealable openings 120 help the person with a fistula, or gortex either in the forearm or upper arm for the medical staff to access their access, leaving them with minimal exposure. In one example, the pull tab 106 may be brought down to pull tab 105 allowing the wearer maximum access to the dialysis equipment above their elbow, connect the equipment, and reposition pull tabs 106 and 105 at the top end of the zipper 107 to allow access to their arm for additional procedures or for vitals to be taken with exposing the least amount of their body.

Along the collar 104 of the garment 100 is another set of resealable openings 121 which are sed to allow access to an area around the neck of the wearer. The resealable openings 121 are positioned so that am area around the neck is accessible when the resealable opening(s) is in the open position. In the depicted embodiment, the resealable openings 121 start an equal distance from one another relative to a center line of the garment 100, and extend at a predetermined downward at a predetermined angle away from that center line and a set distance. In one embodiment the resealable openings 121 are angled 30 degrees relative to the center line. In additional embodiments, various other angles relative to the center line may be implemented. The angle, curvature, and length of the resealable openings 121 may vary either independently or mirrored over the center line. In a central venous catheter the access point for the catheter is around the pectoral muscles of the person below their collarbone. Additionally in a perma-catheter subclavian catheter or port-catheter jugular catheter, the access point is below the calvicale or collarbone of the person. The position and length of the resealable openings 121 are designed to extend a length which gives access for the majority of central venous catheters. In the depicted embodiment, the resealable openings 121 are zippers 113 and 114 with one pull tabs 112 and 111 respectively. The pull tabs 112 and 111, when the zipper 113 and 114 are closed, are positioned at the collar 104. This allows the pull tabs to be easily accessible and concealed. In some embodiment, the collar 104 has a extension of fabric which covers the pull tabs. In additional embodiments, the length, and direction of the resealable openings 121 may be varied based on the intended type of access which is required for the specific procedure.

The resealable openings 120 and 121 provides adequate access (visual and physical) to the treatment area while maintaining as much of the patient's privacy as possible. The resealable openings 120 and 121 can be secured with one or more fasteners, such as zippers, hook and loop tape (e.g., Velcro®, etc.), snaps, buttons or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the resealable openings 120 and 121 are hidden by a seam, flap or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the resealable openings 120 and 121 are not located along the construction seams of the garment. The resealable openings 120 and 121 are positioned.

FIG. 2 depict a view of a garment 100 with the resealable openings 120 and 121 in the open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the resealable openings 120 permit two access openings when in the maximum open position. This provides the benefit of allowing maximum access at the start of the procedure, and then allows the person to close to the opening to keep in heat, and keep colder ambient arm from contacting their skin or the sensitive area. The garment does not restrict or create difficulties for the procedure. In the depicted embodiment resealable openings 120 extend to the cuff 116 and 117, so that when the wearer does not have to accidently completely open up the entire sleeve and have to attempt to close the entire sleeve while having the procedure performed.

The resealable openings 121 are shown in the maximum open position wherein a section of the garment 100 is folded over along the two resealable openings 121. This provides a large portion of the person's upper chest area that is easily accessible to again allow easy access to the catheter. In some embodiments, the resealable openings 121 may begin at the collar closer to the shoulder area of the garment 100 and convert towards one another until their termination. In the depicted embodiment, a section of the collar 104 is shown complete open to allow for the collar 104 to be spread apart to provide an even larger opening around the wearer's collar bones. The section of material that is secured by the resealable openings 121 is substantially trapezoidal based on the length and angle of the cuts which the resealable openings 121 are secured along. In various embodiments, the resealable openings 121 may be at various angles, and lengths of different values. The wear then has the ability to close one or both of the resealable openings 121 to conceal the equipment or to keep warm. If one of the zipper pull tabs 112 or 111 is closed, there is still access to the wearer's person through the opening which is formed by the still open zipper 114 or 113. This again allows for the use of the equipment with maximum concealment.

The invention is inclusive of combinations of the embodiments or embodiments described herein. References to “a particular embodiment” or “embodiment” and the like refer to features that are present in at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to “an embodiment” or “particular embodiments” or “embodiments” or the like do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or embodiments; however, such embodiments are not mutually exclusive, unless so indicated or as are readily apparent to one of skill in the art. The use of singular or plural in referring to “method” or “methods” and the like is not limiting. The word “or” is used in this disclosure in a non-exclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly noted.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. The present invention shall be easily carried out by an ordinary skilled person in the art, and any modifications and changes are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment for covering the upper body of a patient comprising: a vest having a neck opening, a first sleeve opening, a second sleeve opening, and a lower opening, wherein a collar is attached to the neck opening and a first and second resealable opening mechanism extend through the collar towards the lower openings a predetermined distance; a first sleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the first sleeve opening of the vest at the first end and a cuff attached at the second end and a first opening present on the second sleeve, wherein a third resealable opening mechanism is integrated into the opening; and a second sleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the second sleeve opening of the vest at the first end, a cuff is attached at the second end, and a second opening present on the second sleeve, wherein a fourth resealable opening mechanism is integrated into the opening.
 2. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 1, wherein the vest has a first face and a central axis extending from the neck opening to the lower opening, and the first and second resealable opening mechanisms are positioned substantially equal distances from the center axis on the first face, and extend a predetermined distance from the collar, and are angled away from the central axis.
 3. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 1, wherein the first and second openings are positioned relative to the serratus anterior of a wear on the sleeves.
 4. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth resealable opening mechanisms are zip fasteners.
 5. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 3, wherein the third and fourth resealable opening mechanisms have at least two zip pull tabs.
 6. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 4, wherein the at least two zip pull tabs are positioned at opposing ends of the third and fourth resealable openings mechanisms.
 7. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 3, wherein the first and second resealable opening mechanisms have a single zip pull tab, wherein the single zip pull tab is positioned distal to the collar end of the resealable opening when in a relative closed position.
 8. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 5, wherein the third resealable opening mechanism is in a relative closed position when a third zip pull tab is located distal to the first end of the first sleeve and a fourth zip pull tab is located distal to the second end of the first sleeve.
 9. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 5, wherein the fourth resealable opening mechanism is in a relative closed position when a first zip pull tab is located distal to the first end of the second sleeve and a second zip pull tab is located distal to the second end of the second sleeve.
 10. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 7, wherein the third resealable opening mechanism is in a relative open position when the first and second zip pull tabs are positioned at a substantial midpoint of the first opening.
 11. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 8, wherein the fourth resealable opening is in a relative open position when the third and fourth zip pull tabs are positioned at a substantial midpoint of the second opening.
 12. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 1, wherein when the first and second resealable opening mechanisms are angled at substantial the same angle away from the central axis.
 13. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 1, wherein a hood is attached along the collar expect for the area between the first and second resealable opening mechanisms.
 14. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth resealable opening mechanism are concealed by a length of material extending over the resealable opening mechanisms.
 15. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 1, wherein at least one layer of insulating material lines the garment.
 16. The garment for covering the upper body of a patient of claim 1, wherein at least one pocket is attached to the garment.
 17. A garment comprising: a vest having a neck opening, a first sleeve opening, a second sleeve opening, a bottom opening, a collar attached to the neck opening, and a central axis extending from the neck opening to the bottom opening along a first face, wherein a section of material extending from the collar to a predetermined distance towards the bottom opening and at a predetermined along away from the central axis is independently of the vest and is secured through a first and second zipper; a first sleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the first sleeve opening of the vest at the first end and a first opening extends a predetermined distance from the first end to the second end and is positioned relative to an interior portion of arms of the wearer closest to the vest, and a zipper extends substantially along the length of the opening; and a second sleeve having a first end and second end and is attached to the second sleeve opening of the vest at the first end and a second opening extends a predetermined distance from the first end to the second end and is positioned relative to an interior portion of arms of the wearer closest to the vest, and a zipper extends substantially along the length of the opening.
 18. A garment of claim 17, further comprising two zipper pulls integrated into the third and fourth zippers, wherein one of the zipper pulls is located at a first end of the zipper and a second zipper pull is located at the second end of the zipper when the zipper is in a relative closed position.
 19. The garment of claim 17, wherein the first and second zippers are angled 30 degrees away from the central axis.
 20. The garment of claim 17, wherein the first and second zippers are linear to the central axis. 